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Remembering George H. W. Bush

President George H. W. Bush — the oldest living former US President — passed away last night at the age of 94. There has been an outpouring of support and encouragement to the Bush family as many celebrate a man known for his devotion to service, his humility, and his generosity towards others, regardless of their political philosophies.

Houston, Texas became the adopted home of President Bush and a senior US House Republican from the area weighed in on his passing. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement regarding the passing of George H.W. Bush:

“Few Americans will ever rival the depth and breadth of the service to our country exhibited by George H.W. Bush. He was a courageous war hero, key member of the Committee on Ways and Means while serving in Congress, twice an Ambassador, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President for eight years, and finally President of the United States. But I believe he would say his favorite title was husband to his beloved Barbara, and greatest accomplishment was in raising children who serve their nation with equal dedication and patriotism.

“Our country, and indeed our state, have lost a man of honor who leaves a legacy of love and service for his nation and his family. Cathy and I extend our deepest condolences to the Bush family and join the nation in mourning the death of one that history will remember as one of our greatest leaders.”

Always an advocate and supporter of the US space program, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made the following statement about the passing of former President George Herbert Walker Bush:

“NASA and the nation mourn the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush, a leader who was a passionate advocate for space and the power of hope.

President Bush’s long service to our nation, as a congressman, ambassador, director of Central Intelligence, and as an aviator in World War II even before assuming his duties as commander in chief, have left a long and enduring legacy.

The president’s Space Exploration Initiative helped us to think big and long-term about space. His impassioned vision of “a journey into tomorrow – a journey to another planet – a manned mission to Mars,” helped sustain NASA’s early work on the International Space Station, and it still can be felt in our ongoing efforts to send humans farther into the solar system to live and work for extended periods.

The President noted it was humanity’s destiny to explore, and America’s destiny to lead. We salute this great American leader, who challenged us to chart a course for the future to benefit all humanity.”

Even those who were often political opponents of Bush have had nothing but praise for the 41st President. Today AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins released a statement in reaction to the news of former President George H.W. Bush’s passing:

“Today we grieve the loss of a lifelong public servant. We remember President George H.W. Bush for signing into law two bills that greatly improved older Americans’ lives: the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, which he signed the same year to strengthen the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

“President Bush fought ageism in another way, too: as he turned 75, 80, 85 and then 90, he marked milestone birthdays by skydiving. His first parachute jump wasn’t by choice, as it resulted from his fighter plane being shot down in World War II, but his later-in-life jumps showed his passion for life. President Bush lived a remarkable life of service, civility and patriotism. Everyone at AARP sends our sincerest sympathies to the Bush family.”

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